The List: For the home
Customizable outdoor pillows • These burlap pillows make practical housewarming gifts and can be customized to fit any family home. Display a welcome message, a family name or the house address for guests to see when they approach the porch. $24.00 at The West Garden.
Gold wire photo clip wall panel • This photo wall is an ideal way to display photos without using push pins. The zig-zagging gold wire makes an attractive wall decoration while the photo clips avoid putting holes in the pictures. Choose a few photos to go with it for a personalized gift. $19.99 at World Market.
Desktop humidifier • This desk-sized humidifier from NewPollar is perfect for any co-worker this winter season. Intuitively designed, this ultra quiet accessory will surely be popular in any office gift-exchange. $14.85 at Amazon.
Memorial gift plate • If you know someone who has an old recipe or note from a loved one, immortalize their message and handwriting with this customizable plate. $50.00 at Prairie Hills Pottery.
Customizable necklace • For someone special in your life, try customizing this necklace with a name, date or location. Perfect to remind someone of a special time or place, this is sure to be a favorite sentimental gift. $50.00 at Stax Jewellery.
Weighted blanket • The perfect gift for the restless sleeper, weighted blankets are designed to reduce stress and help you fall asleep $178.00 at MyThreeBoys.
Bottled Sunshine • Do the dog days of winter affect your mood? This hand-crafted and sustainably designed light from Sunlight Inside is a unique, thoughtful and show-stopping option this holiday season.This light mimics the sun’s rays throughout the course of the day and evening $249.00 at Sunlight Inside.
Harry Potter Superstorage Lapdesk • These lapdesks provide the perfect mobile working surface, complete with storage space and just the right magic touch of Harry Potter-themed decoration. $99.00 at Pottery Barn Teen, Plaza Frontenac, 1745 South Lindbergh Boulevard.
Outdoorsman XL Fold-Up Chair • Ideal for a trip to the Ozarks or the sidelines of a soccer game, this portable folding chair is easy to take with you wherever you go. $69.99 at Bass Pro Shops, 1365 South Fifth Street, St. Charles.
GoodLight candle • The Geo Collection gift box set features orange, clove, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, cardamom and noble fir paraffin-free candles. $17.99 at GoodLight, Whole Food Markets.
"Game of Thrones" LED Stark Crest Lamp • Winter is coming, and you are going to need some warmth from this light. This circular metal frame with the Stark direwolf sigil suspended inside features 90 built-in LEDs. $69.99 at Think Geek.
Catstudio pillow • This pillow is entirely hand-embroidered on light tea-colored 100 percent organic cotton and features scenes of St. Louis. $184.00 at Cat's Meow Personalized Gifts., 11773 Manchester Road.
Nest Hello • Replace your doorbell with this Nest video doorbell. An app on your phone alerts you to movement (or when someone rings it), but you can also pretty much open the app and look at a crisp, clear 160-degree video of your yard any time. You can even “answer” the door from anywhere. $229.00 at Walmart, Target, Best Buy.
Chocolate Santa • This hand-painted milk chocolate Santa centerpiece, with his jolly expression and rotund physique, is almost too adorable to eat. Almost. St. Nick stands over 17 inches tall and weighs 3 pounds. $69.00 at Handcrafted by Bissinger's, 32 Maryland Plaza.
Decorative oil lamp • This crimson decanter will look festive on any mantle or end table, and the Lampe Berger fragrance helps purify the air as it diffuses through the room. Available in a variety of colors and scents. $40.00 at Cassie's, 316 North Euclid Avenue.
Pingy the penguin • Who can resist this round-bellied penguin who wibbles and wabbles but never loses his sweetly surprised expression? Pingy perks up any space but is especially wonderful in a child’s room, where he never turns down a hug. $435.00 at Centro, 4727 McPherson Avenue.
Rocky rocking horse • Give young cowboys and cowgirls an early start in the modern design aesthetic with this rich brown polyethylene rocking horse. Rocky wears a hemp rope around his neck and also comes in white or black. $1,316.00 at Centro, 4727 McPherson Avenue.
Smudge kit • Open the doors to 2019 with a fresher space thanks to this smudge kit. Palo Santo wood is believed to have healing powers, while sage is thought to have purifying qualities. An iridescent abalone shell serves as a bowl. Items can also be purchased separately. $18.00 at Divine Inspirations, 205 North Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood.
Personalized wood sign • Each of these hand-painted wooden signs measures 20 inches by 20 inches, with space to include a bit of family history in your favorite colors and fonts. The retro design and individualized details make for a charming, one-of-a-kind gift. $75.00 at Moonbeams, 124 West Jefferson Avenue, Kirkwood.
Holiday kitchen towels • The clean winter prints on these basket-weave cotton towels are festive for teachers, neighbors or as a hostess gifts. $5.95 at Cornucopia, 107 North Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood.
Polish pottery mugs • Cute kittens and chipper bluebirds festoon these Polish pottery mugs. Other patterns are also available. $24.95 at Cornucopia, 107 North Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood.
Pink orchid planter • A pop of spring color in this orchid planter will perk up those gray winter days. The blue and white square pot is a clean, modern complement most decors. $132.00 at Rusted Chandelier, 118 North Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood.
Purple ornament candle • What’s better than a festive ornament? A festive ornament that doubles as a sweet-smelling candle. Other sizes and colors are also available. $20.00 at Rusted Chandelier, 118 North Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood.
Copper ribbon cookie cutters • What a great way to celebrate an award-worthy friend or relative than with these copper ribbon cookie cutters? And if they decided to return the affection by sharing some homemade treats, well, we all come out winners! $62.00 at Civil Alchemy, 8154 Big Bend Boulevard, Webster Groves.
Barsys robotic bartender • If you like mixed drinks, this is the gift of your dreams. You put the ingredients in the machine, then pick a drink from your app. The robotic bartender, Barsys, spits it out. The app comes pre-programmed with more than 2,000 drinks or you can customize your own. $1,050.00 at Barsys.
100 Movies Scratch-off Poster • See a movie, scratch it off. It's a fun way to see 100 iconic movies, from "Casablanca" to "Jaws." $15.00 at Uncommon Goods.
JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker • This Bluetooth-enabled speaker boasts quality sound backed by waterproof technology and a long-lasting rechargeable battery. And it comes in teal, blue, gray, black or red. $99.95 at Macy's.
Beaded dreidel set • This beautiful set of three dreidels is made from engineered wood, glass beads, resin, acrylic beads and glitter. $14.99 at Pier 1 Imports.
All-Media 126-piece Art Set By Artist’s Loft • Whether they are a beginner or an experienced artist, they will love this 126-piece set that includes acylic, oil and watercolor paints as well as pencils, brushes and more in this aluminum box. $59.99 at Michael's stores.
Outdoor Living Today Garden in a Box • Perfect for small spaces, this 8-foot-by-12-foot raised garden bed makes gardening easy. The Western Red Cedar walls are easy to asemble and allow 20 inches of growing height, perfect for rocky St. Louis soil. $1,302.89 at Home Depot.
Cards-Cubs sign • Is your house divided? If you know Cards and Cubs fans living under the same roof, this is the perfect sign for them. $18.00 at Nic Nac Stop, 415 South Main Street, St. Charles.
Home of Hero sign • The Nic Nac Stop can make signs for any hero on your list. $18.00 at Nic Nac Stop, 415 South Main Street, St. Charles.
Bergamot and ginger scented candle • Invite your friend, sister, or child's teacher to relax with this lidded jar candle from Mesa Home. The bergamot and ginger scent is clean and spicy. $12.00 at Mesa Home, 2619 Cherokee Street, St. Louis.
St. Louis Coasters • These coasters come with a variety of options of St. Louis favorites, from local theaters to favorite restaurants. You can even get a coaster that will answer that infamous "where did you go to high school" question for you. $12.00 at Sweet Boutique, 8115 Maryland Avenue, Clayton.
Holiday Saying Tin • Decorate your home to fit the spirit of the season with this decorative tin, styled after an old road sign. $15.00 at The Spotted Pig, 9218 Clayton Road.
Poinsettia tray • There's nothing better than a practical gift that also looks good, and this beautiful organizing tray checks both boxes. $75.00 at The Spotted Pig, 9218 Clayton Road.
Felt Pig Ballerina • Brighten up a kid's (or adult's) desk with this felt pig figurine. $15.00 at The Spotted Pig, 9218 Clayton Road.
Children’s storybook coasters • Whether you are a kid or just a kid at heart, these storybook coasters will take you back to your favorite childhood tales. Curl up with a beverage and a good book — maybe one that’s depicted on these locally made coasters. $4.00 at Afterwords Books, 441 East Vandalia Street, Edwardsville.
Plant kindness ornament • Sow some seeds of compassion with this “plant kindness” angel ornament. These ornaments add a sweet touch to any tree, or they could adorn a kitchen cabinet knob any time of the year. They also are available in several other positive messages. $20.00 at A Wildflower Shop, 2131 South State Route 157, Edwardsville.
Garden angel • Let these Wings of Whimsy garden angels watch over your garden — they are durable for outside use and come with a stand — or keep them inside to add a sunny touch to your decor. $60.00 at A Wildflower Shop, 2131 South State Route 157, Edwardsville.
Kitchen Boa • Drape this boa around your neck while in the kitchen and you’ll never fumble for a towel to wipe your hands or grab a messy tray of food again. It’s long, so unlike a dish towel, it won’t slip off your shoulder onto the floor, and the two ends can be grasped easily by either hand. They are available in multiple styles and colors. $19.99 at Chef’s Shoppe, 2320 Troy Road, Edwardsville.
Emile Henry pizza stone • Forget takeout; with this French-made Emile Henry pizza stone you’ll be crafting delicious pies in your own home. It’s durable — cook and cut on it with no worries; it has a 10-year guarantee — and makes an eye-catching addition to any kitchen. $59.99 at Chef’s Shoppe, 2320 Troy Road, Edwardsville.
Whimsical lavatory mists • There’s nothing funny about nasty bathroom smells, right? Wrong. Put untimely odors in their place with Vladimir Pootin (red tea and jasmine) or Total Eclipse of the Fart (bright lilac and amber), just two of the silly scents you can buy in these lavatory mists. $12.00 at Revival Boutique & Gifts, 101 East Vandalia Street, Edwardsville.
Rose gold rain jacket • Wet weather is no match for this rose gold rain jacket with a pink-and-gray plaid lining. Velcro on the sleeves near the wrist can be adjusted a bit tighter or looser, depending on your preference. And if the rose gold color isn’t enough to set this jacket apart, Rising Stars can monogram it for you. It is available in 12 colors. $59.95 at Rising Stars, 202 West Main Street, Belleville.
Pin oak natural edge bowl • Craftsman Richard Hinkebein turns wood destined only for burning into stunning, natural treasures. This natural edge bowl is a prime example of his lovely works. Interested in trying your hand at turned wood? Turned Treasures offers pieces like these as well as classes where you can learn how to do it yourself. $40.00 at Turned Treasures, 225 East Main Street, Belleville.
Maple Moroccan blue bowl • Don’t be fooled by the detailed and alternating patterns and stunning blue color: This isn’t a ceramic piece, but a standout maple bowl. Whether displayed on a shelf or used as tableware (dry foods only), it’s truly a conversation piece. $85.00 at Turned Treasures, 225 East Main Street, Belleville.
Minka Wave three-blade ceiling fan • Pair this minimalistically designed fan with Amazon Echo, Google Home or to your smart device to bring in a cool breeze with ease. $239.96 at Ferguson.
Handcrafted leather journal • This journal, designed by Indianapolis artist Megan Winn, is handcrafted using reclaimed leather, handmade paper and remanants of maps. Many other sizes and styles are available. $79.00 at Artisans in The LOOP, 6511 Delmar Boulevard, University City.
Handcrafted glass menorah • Glass artist Nina Miller of Olivette made this heirloom-worthy fused glass menorah. Many more of her other glass pieces are available at the shop. $180.00 at Artisans in The LOOP, 6511 Delmar Boulevard, University City.
Literary art print • Frederick Douglass once said, "Once you learn to read you will be forever free." This art poster with this inspiring graphic and quote will please the book lover in your life. $24.95 at Subterranean Books, 6275 Delmar Boulevard, University City.
Compassion is Badass mug • Pump yourself up and show your family or office mates you don't mess around when it comes to being a decent, compassionate person. This mug supports Bravely, a St. Louis nonprofit run by women recovering from sexual exploitation and addiction. $10.00 at OSO: A Style Lab, 6321 Delmar Boulevard, University City.
Carved wood fish • This fish from Rocky Mountain Rustic was hand-carved from a cedar fence post planted in the early American West. $84.00 at Mississippi Mud Gallery & Gifts, 118 Market Street, Kimmswick.
Mini cookie jar • Swap out the ceramic figure on the front to change up the look of this Happy Everything cookie jar with the season, or even during the season. The figures (which attach with Velcro) are $16.95 each. Cookie jar (minus lid) is about 6 inches tall. $59.95 at Savannah Rose, 209 Market Street, Kimmswick.
Modern Alchemy firewood incense candle • It's not just the yuletide scent of firewood that makes this candle special, it's the dark velvet box embossed with gold lettering that makes it a perfect hostess gift. $24.99 at Saks Off 5th, 18521 Outlet Boulevard, No. 306, Chesterfield.
Mizzou wireless speakers • Get your school spirit and jam on when you pump these Mizzou wireless, portable speakers. $19.99 at The Mizzou Store, 10 THF Boulevard, Chesterfield.
Blues man cave sign • An eye-catching Blues street sign that will pop in a man cave. $54.99 at Rally House, 82 THF Bouevard, Chesterfield.
Nest Protect • Turn your house into a smart home with this smoke and CO detector that talks to your phone. It can alert your phone and tell you where the danger is. And it lets you hush a false alarm with your phone. $119.00 at Nest.
Wood nativity set • Incorporate the Nativity scene into rustic décor with this recycled wood three-piece silhouette set. $69.99 at Kirkland's stores.
Our Adventure Fund savings bank • Perfect for young couples or even retirees who want to save for a big vacation, this cute piggy bank from Foreside Home will keep them on track with their goals. $13.00 at Amazon.
Cable Gateway Arch replica • This replica is made from the tram cable used to transport visitors to the top of the Gateway Arch. It stands approximately 8 3/4 inches wide by 8 1/8 inches tall including the wooden base. $59.95 at The Arch Store at the Jefferson National Parks Association, One Memorial Drive, Suite 1900.
Banana fiber Nativity • Decorate your home for Christmas with this handmade 12-piece Nativity, and marvel at the level of detail achieved by the artisans using banana fiber and corn husk. Proceeds from sales at Get the Word Out help pay for school fees, clean water and medical expenses for Kenyan orphans. $30.00 at Get the Word Out, 7405 Manchester Road.
Amani elephant and giraffe ornaments • These colorful animal ornaments are made in Nairobi's Amani workshop, where women who have been abandoned or abused, along with their children, learn to sew, quilt, dye fabric and make handcrafted items. Proceeds from sales at Get the Word Out help pay for school fees, clean water and medical expenses for Kenyan orphans. $15.00 at Get the Word Out, 7405 Manchester Road.
Fusion Gate for baby and dogs • Fusion Gates, an Edwardsville company, offers stylish safety with interchangeable art screens. Choose from three color finishes and more than 20 art screens ranging from trendy to traditional. Shown is the Willow Branch design, which expands from 36 to 52 inches. $299.00 at Fusion Gates.
KitchenAid Stand Mixer • If there's a baker in your life, they'll definitely appreciate a new stand mixer. Maybe they'll even make you something in gratitude. $379.99 at Kohl's.
Handpainted wooden elephant • This small, hand-painted wooden elephant would brighten the day of any pachyderm lover. $20.00 at St. Louis Zoo Treetop Shop, One Government Drive.
Timolino Coffee & Tea Maker • Timolino's gravity-filtering system lets you brew the perfect cup of tea or coffee with no mess. Just scoop loose-leaf tea into the 16-ounce brewer, add hot water, allow to steep and then place the whole thing over a cup to dispense from the bottom. $18.33 at Traveling Tea, 2707 Sutton Boulevard, Maplewood.
Printed wine hand towel • Rough day? Wine about it with these clever printed hand towels by Mud Pie. Assorted designs are available, and the woven cotton towels measure 26 inches by 16½ inches. $8.99 at Intaglia Home & Garden, 7195 Manchester Road, Maplewood.
St. Louis-themed coasters • Enjoy a little local nostalgia while also protecting that tabletop from unsightly water rings. These printed coasters feature a variety of St. Louis-area locations, signs and memories. $12.50 at Intaglia Home & Garden, 7195 Manchester Road, Maplewood.
Jansjö USB lamp • It never hurts to have one of these bendy-armed LED lamps on hand. They're great for illuminating a hard-to-see computer keyboard or desktop, or even to light up a piece of art or home décor. $5.99 at Ikea, 1 Ikea Way.
Lörby USB charger • Now that so many of our electronics are jockeying for space at the electrical outlet, Ikea's Lörby USB charger can really come in handy. Just attach it with its magnet, self-adhesive tape or clamp, and plug in up to three devices. Its electrical cord is 6.2 feet long. Available in red, black, yellow or white. $12.99 at Ikea, 1 Ikea Way.
Hearth & Hand Centennial Rolling Cooler • Whether you're tailgating or entertaining at home, this rolling cooler (metal finish with plastic lid and liner) will keep cold drinks within reach. A bottle opener on the front has a collection bin to keep loose caps from running amok, and a spigot makes it easy to drain when the party is over. $139.99 at Target.
Unicorn squirrel feeder • When squirrels eat out of the unicorn head by Archie McPhee they look like a unicorn. And that's hilarious. $16.84 at Amazon.
Dimensions home fragrance • Go online to personalize your scents or choose from pre-selected sets. Each box comes with one elegant-looking ultrasonic diffuser and three fragrance refils. $34.95 at Dimensions Fragrance .
Inbox of Herbs Kit: Rosemary • The chef in your life loves cooking with fresh herbs. Gift him or her this box that includes farm fresh, ready-to-harvest rosemary, a bamboo planter, micro-nutrient root boost and recipes. $28.00 at Gardenuity.
Instant pot accessories • Got an Instant Pot but want to up your game? Ask for this accessories kit, which includes a steamer, springform pan for cakes and quiches, a silicone mold for eggy treats and more. $39.99 at Amazon.
Third Degree Glass factory ornament • This ornament from glass artist Mike Moran is just one of the many signature 2018 ornaments for sale at Third Degree Glass Factory. $35.00 at Third Degree Glass Factory, 5200 Delmar Boulevard.
Flowers and Weeds subscription gift box • Treat yourself or someone special to a monthly gift box from local studio and greenhouse Flowers and Weeds. Each box might contain plant care items, goods from local makers and treasures from around the shop. The subscriptions are available for a minimum of three months and boxes are available for $25-$75 each. $75.00 at Flowers and Weeds, 3201 Cherokee Street,.
The New Yorker Encyclopedia of Cartoons: A Semi-Serious A-Z Archive • New Yorker cartoons are always the funniest. This massive, two-volume set delivers nearly 3,000 cartoons from the magazine's founding in 1924 to the present, organized into such categories as banana peels, desert islands, the Grim Reaper and dogs. $100.00 at Subterranean Books, 6275 Delmar Boulevard.
Essential Art House: 50 Years of Janus Films • Any serious lover of art films will crave this collection of 50 of the best international pictures. It features the work of directors from Eisenstein to Renoir, from Bergman to Cocteau to Ozu. These are the movies that showed Americans what can be done with a camera and endless imagination. $595.00 at TCM.